Metal Mouth Message Board

Hey everyone! I'm new to archwired, and to braces in general. I just got my first adjustment today! Anyhoo, for my first post here, I just have a simple question. I have a fairly large gap between my front two teeth, and today, during my adjustment, the ortho asst told me that for my next adjustment, I'll be getting a chain to close my gap. What exactly is a chain?

Thanks everyone! :]

They probably meant a powerchain, which is a chain made of elastic ovals linked together. They stretch the powerchain across the fronts of your brackets and it helps to move things around. My orthodontist has used them to rotate some of my lowers and also to close gaps.

Welcome to AW and congratz on taking the plunge to get braces.

this sounds like a power chain. socksy did a good job at explaining it. The only thing i will add is that there will probably be some discomfort after for at least the first few days (could last up to a week and 2 weeks, really depends on the person). You can pick different colors for your powerchains as well. Bst of luck at your next adjustment and getting the powerchain. Oh I should probably tell you it could feel a bit weird when they first put it on but don't worry it does get better!!!!!

Here is a helpful link!

http://www.archwired.com/power_chains.htm